The Ultimate Wedding Guest Style Guide
Stumped on what to wear? I've got you...
For this guide I’ve put together some edits of things that I’ve come across online that I just love and feel right for wedding guest dressing - think neutrals, block colours, patterns (I KNOW!), jumpsuits, co-ords, shoes and accessories - I’ve tried to cover it all in this bumper edition...
SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…
Whenever I say this it stirs up some opinions, but in my eyes, you can wear black to a wedding if you want to. Times are changing! If you’re unsure then check with whoever is tying the knot, but I can honestly tell you that I’ve never seen someone wear black at a wedding and be shunned. I don’t think anyone even noticed! If black is your comfort zone or your daily uniform, then stick with it.
I’m not one to dish out rules often, but I feel like your first port of call when it comes to wedding guest dressing should be to try and dig in your wardrobe to see what you already have. You might not find exactly what you’re after, but an oversized blazer with a long slip skirt underneath works beautifully for a winter wedding, or think wide-leg trousers with an architectural top for more summer vibes. Think outside the box and there’s a high chance you can spare yourself from dishing out for a new outfit.
Remember the rental market exists. My favourites are Hurr* and By Rotation (some of my wardrobe is available for rent on there). If not see what you can borrow from friends and family.
If you are going to make a purchase then try to find pieces that you can wear again - that’s what I’ve focused on here. Items that would also work when separated, for a summer holiday, or less formal events like a summer BBQ or garden party.
No one remembers what you wore to the last wedding you all went to. Could you give a detailed picture of what all your friends were wearing? Probably not! And that’s cool! Just a thought experiment to show that you can re-wear the same outfit to multiple weddings and no one cares, nor will find it offensive in any way. Outfit repeating - we love to see it!
My final note when I drafted this post just said ‘YOU ARE THE SUPPORTING ACT’ which I realise sounds extremely harsh but it’s true. I’m sorry!!! So try not to spend weeks and months obsessing over what to wear and instead focus on something that you feel great and comfortable in so you can enjoy the day and be there to cut some shapes on the dancefloor with the happy couple and have a grand ol’ time. Be chill and the outfit with come…
MY PREFERRED CHOICE…
This is my happy place. I would be very chuffed to have any one of these hanging in my wardrobe right now. I feel like if you love a neutral but you just can’t get on board with black on a wedding day, then brown or navy is a great compromise. These are all such good bases to start with and so easy to re-wear again, especially for a nice evening out when you’re on holiday. Just throw on a rope clutch bag, some strap sandals and a big gold earring and you’re good to go.
A BIT OF COLOUR…
If I were going to do a colour then I like a sleek, slip shape. Can you tell?! HA! Mainly because I feel like a block colour slip dress is something you can wear time and time again. Take the olive one*. I’d wear it to a summer wedding with a high neutral heel, a little raffia or light leather clutch, then with a drop earring and my hair tucked back or in a bun. But you could wear it in the winter with a cable knit jumper over the top and some over-the-knee boots. Like you can get MILEAGE out of these.
THE PATTERNED ROUTE…
Look, you know I’m not big on patterns or florals, but now and again I come across a dress and think ‘You know what, I quite like that!!!’ - so I’ve collated them here. For me, my main bugbear is that I’d find them difficult to wear again, but that’s just because I’m quite pattern-averse with my daily wardrobe and there’s nothing wrong with having a small collection of florals for special occasions if they float your boat. My favourite has to be this Doen Polka-Dot Dress* that I would 100% have checked out with by now if I had a wedding to go to this summer.
DON’T SLEEP ON JUMPSUITS…
I’m big on team jumpsuits. Being a trouser-wearer day to day they are my go-to silhouette for event dressing as I still feel 100% comfortable, but look 100% fancy. I remember posting this Whistles navy one with the ruffle collar* last year and it was a big hit (it’s still available in every size and is 30% off). The key here is to GO THERE with accessories. Go big with accessories! Think of your favourite statement earrings, with a patterned heel or a chunky necklace to offset the simplicity of your base outfit.
A CO-ORD IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA…
Why not go for a matching suit? Or a cute waistcoat and skirt co-ord? A classic blazer and trousers number might be better for a more formal dress code or an evening guest invite, whereas something in a paler colour or lighter texture like linen, suits a balmy summer wedding or an abroad celebration more (just dress them up with your hair, makeup, shoe and bag choices). What I love about these are the possibilities that you have after the wedding. You’ll have so many opportunities to wear them in different ways that they definitely won’t be gathering dust in your wardrobe.
THE ACCESSORIES…
I love a strap-heavy neutral sandal - whether it’s a suit or a midi dress you’ve gone for, they go with everything (the pair I own from By Far I must have had for at least five years now!). A block heel comes in very handy for outdoor weddings and usually wins on the comfort charts too. The same goes for accessories. Just something simple that you can throw down on the table once you’re seated or hook over the back of your chair and doesn’t get in the way. I love lighter leather and softer textures for summer events.
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Anna x
Your timing with this guide is just spot on! Currently shopping for a wedding in three weeks and getting closer to the panic stage… Need your (or any other readers’) take on something though. How do we feel about a not-quite-floor-length dress for a black tie dress code? I’m talking below the knee just not full-length gown. Thanks so much!!
Found this post at the most perfect timing! I was searching for floral dresses this entire time, and didn't think to wear a matching suit piece. Looks so stunning. x